Celtic 1
Dundee Utd 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Following the midweek disappointment in Denmark, Ivan Golac restored Alex Cleland and Dave Narey into defence with Freddy van der Hoorn moving into the anchor position in midfield. Grant Johnson was promoted to the starting line-up for the first time this season.

After a subdued start Celtic were first to show any attacking threat, but most of the problems they posed came from Wdoczyk's inswinging comers. Alan Main had to tip over Charlie Nicholas's downward header in the 19th minute. Immediately after this Creaney found himself in the clear when he picked up a poor clearance from Alan Main, but pulled his shot wide.

Whilst Celtic created the bulk of the chances, Pat Bonner was no mere spectator. By midway through the half, United had weathered Celtic's early storm and almost went ahead when Alex Cleland's through ball found Andy McLaren in the clear. Bonner beat out his grounder, but the ball spun up into the air and only McNally's intervention prevented Christian Dailly scoring with his follow up header.

Alan Main then made a fine save from a Creaney volley and performed likewise from yet another Wdowczyk corner. Again United hit back and Andy McLaren whipped in a first time shot which Bonner had to push over the bar in a hurry.

Celtic suffered a blow when Charlie Nicholas was stretchered off with a head injury and the second half saw Celtic's domination ebb. Then two goals in a minute brought the match to light. Alex Cleland made a timely interception at one end and embarked on a run from one penalty area to the other. He regained possession after losing possession to Slater and cut the ball back to Billy McKinlay, who buried the ball in at pace.

United's lead, however, was short-lived. Boyd sent a cross from the left which McGinlay headed back across for Creaney to hook the ball fiercely past Alan Main.

In a grandstand finish both sides had a couple of chances to win the match, most notably when Christian Dailly robbed McNally and though a comer wasn't given, Bonner's finger-tips ensured that the ball drifted over. Coming on top of the set back in Denmark this was undoubtedly a heartening performance and maintained our unbeaten start to the domestic season.